Severe winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households without power and led agencies to call off more than 100 flights, according to local media.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing homes mostly in the southern region, though agencies report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended because of the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
